Air Force Veterans and Asbestos Exposure

From the 1930s to the 1980s, asbestos exposure was prevalent at U.S. Air Force bases and aircraft maintenance stations for jets, propeller planes, helicopters and other aircraft. Exposure came from asbestos-containing vehicle brakes, adhesives, epoxies, jet exhaust insulation, electrical equipment and other standard asbestos construction equipment related to the service buildings, hangers, barracks and offices. Asbestos was also found in boilers, furnaces, walls, soundproofing panels and HVAC systems.

The U.S. Air Force has gone to great lengths in recent years to guard against asbestos exposure, but veterans remain at risk of developing mesothelioma. Like all branches of the U.S. military through most of the 20th century, the Air Force utilized asbestos for its heat resistance, durability and affordability in spite of health risks.

Air Force Jobs Affected by Asbestos

Simmons Hanly Conroy has represented hundreds of U. S. Air Force veterans affected by mesothelioma including personnel, civilian contractors and workers who were employed at Air Force bases nationally and internationally. Some of the jobs they held were:

Airman

Airplane crew chief

Armorer

Auto mechanic

Aviation machinists mate

Boiler tender

Bombardier mechanic

Carpenter

Communications specialist

Electrician

Electronics technician

Engineer

Firefighter

Fuel specialist

Gunner

Heavy equipment operator

HVAC specialist

Instructor

Instrument shop workers

Jet engine inspector

Jet mechanic

MechanicMechanical/electrical engineer

Navigation systems technician

Pilot

Pipefitter

Plumber

Radar technician

Radio operator

Repairmen

Sheetmetal worker

Supply helper

Supply warehouse

Technician

Truck driver

Weapons mechanic

Welder

Asbestos on Air Force Bases

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authenticated the presence of asbestos in Air Force facilities in 2002. On-base housing pipe insulation was one material that contained asbestos. In 2009, the Air Force paid for the removal of 6,000 feet of above-ground asbestos-coated stem pipeline located at the former Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, IL. Chanute, which closed in 1993, has additional underground steam tunnels scheduled for demolition by 2015.

Asbestos in Military Aircraft

Asbestos was used in the building and maintenance of aircraft, primarily to aid in the protection against fire and heat. Brakes, cockpit heating system, heat shields for engines, torque valves, gaskets, electrical wiring and insulation in the cargo bays also contain asbestos. Air Force mechanics were especially at risk for exposure, as they were more likely to inhale airborne asbestos dust and fibers through contact with engine and motor parts and other materials if they didn’t necessary precautions.

Mesothelioma Lawyers for Air Force Veterans

Simmons Hanly Conroy is dedicated to working with U.S. Air Force mesothelioma veterans who were negligently exposed to asbestos. If you are a veteran battling mesothelioma, please contact us today for a free case consultation.

Simmons Hanly Conroy clients have worked at Air Force bases throughout the country, including:

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